SD200 Accumulates $123M Surplus and Raises Property Taxes by $8M?

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Chicago – Oak Park and River Forest School District 200 Board of Education has been squirreling away cash for the last 10 years – to the tune of $123 million – and yet they seek to raise property taxes another $8 million on December 20.

“This is the epitome of government greed. At a time when taxpayers could really use a break, they are getting zapped for an absolutely unnecessary and excessive property tax hike,” stated Rae Ann McNeilly, Executive Director of Taxpayers United of America (TUA).

“Fortunately, taxpayers in Oak Park and River Forest aren’t going to take this financial assault lying down. A local activist, Barb Langer, Ph.D., is organizing opposition to this unbelievable move by the Board.”

“We absolutely must stop this unnecessary property tax increase,” stated Dr. Langer. “What could possibly justify an $8M property tax increase when there is currently a $123M surplus and annual operating surpluses continue to accumulate”?

“We are urging residents of Oak Park and River Forest School District 200 to attend the public hearing on Thursday, December 20th at Oak Park River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville in Oak Park at 7:30 p.m.,” added McNeilly, who is submitting a request to speak on behalf of hundreds of TUA members.

Dr. Langer noted, “We are fortunate to have Barry Jay Epstein, Ph.D., CPA, CFF, a Chicago-based forensic accountant and recognized audit expert, donate his time and expertise in analyzing the SD200 financial data. Dr. Epstein’s analysis clearly shows that a property tax increase is not only unnecessary, but grossly excessive.”

The research and documentation of Drs. Langer and Epstein have been posted on the TUA website.

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